When cruising with children, parents often struggle to find ways to entertain them.  So we asked 12-year-old Rachel Lether what she likes to do when the family goes sailing.  We received “Rachel’s Bookshelf” in response.  Her book reviews and recommendations come just in time for your holiday shopping.

This month, a glass of hot cocoa and a good book . . .

My favorite books of all time were read partly or fully on my boat, with a hot drink in hand.  A lot of kids today don’t know what to do on a long boat ride. Electronic games can be fun, but with games you don’t enter a world where you can experience the problems faced by some of my favorite characters, problems handled with such detail and insight. Electronics come and go and new ones are made, but books are always there.

And remember Christmas is right around the corner.  Although you might want games and toys, ask for a book you can take with you when you go sailing. Books entertain you longer than a puzzle or board game. Write a book title on your Christmas list and enter a world of reading where nothing is impossible. Consider the books I chose, or ask friends or family about their favorites.

Have a Merry Christmas . . . and here are some of my favorite books to read when I’m on our boat.
1. The Pearl, by John Steinbeck.  This story presents a large moral but expresses it in an entertaining, exciting way.  I think kids 10-years-old and older could read this book and understand its context.  A mysterious pearl is found.  Then it turns someone’s life around.  Tragedy strikes when a child is injured and a family does all they can to get help.
2. East, by Edith Pattou.  This story is about a girl and her life.  It can be read by either gender.  This is a bit of a more challenging read, so children 10 and up can read it.  I finished this book in a day because I couldn’t put it down.  Rose has always been different.  The truth is covered by lies and secrets.  Other interesting characters include a bear with a past that he doesn’t want to remember, and a troll queen who only thinks of herself.
3. A Dog’s Life, by Ann M. Martin.  This story can be read by all ages and continues to keep you wondering.  It has an exciting plot.  Squirrel the dog is born a stray, and during his life, he encounters humans, highways and brutal seasons.
4. Nicholas, by Goscinny & Sempe.  This is an entertaining comedy about a boy in France who is always getting into mischief.  This book can be read by all ages and will keep kids reading and laughing for hours.  His escapades happen everywhere and always wind up in confusion for his parents and teachers.
5. The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs, by Betty G. Birney.  This book has a charm that attracted me to it.  A boy finds out a great deal about life and learns a lot in this story.  It can be read by all ages.  Eban thinks Sassafras Springs is plain and boring.  He wants to see the Seven Wonders of the World, but he doesn’t have the money.  So his Aunt tells him to find seven wonders here, and she will get him a trip.  Trust me, finding the seven wonders of Sassafras Springs is a wonder in itself.